(Note that there is a collective list of wishes for all teams over at our Sister Site Call To The Pen. It’s not as detailed but definitely worth a look at the views of the bloggers following each team closely.)
Since Christmas is around the corner I thought I’d enumerate the wishes of many Braves fans I’ve chatted with in one form or another this post season. After all, how will Santa know precisely what’s on our collective list if we don’t tell him? This is of course my take on the wishes of my fellow Braves Twitter Critters, bloggers and local Braves fans. I’m sure they’ll correct me if I’m wrong.
Dear Santa,
I hope yo
ur year ends better than our 2011 season. I know you’re a Braves fan because, well what else would a great guy like you be?
The fans have been faithful and strong in their support this year and are hoping for a few things to brighten up 2012.
1.) For everyone – particularly those in our everyday lineup asked to start 150+ games a year – good health and freedom from serious injuries. This particularly applies to our future Hall of Fame third baseman and our rising stars behind the plate, in right field and at first base. (You might also let the hitters know that scoring 5 or more runs a game will not put them on your naughty list.)
2.) For the pitching staff, nimble minds along with strong arms, legs and backs to carry them through the year.
3.) For our starting pitchers the determination to go nine strong every start and be genuinely upset when they do not.
4.) For our relievers some good video games to keep them occupied while our starters go deep into every game, good health, short memories after bad nights and just enough work to keep them sharp without burning them out before the post season.
5.) For Roger McDowell the ability guide starting pitchers to the fitness levels and knowledge of the art needed in order that they throw 200 innings each in 2012.
6.) For Michael Bourn a specially rewritten version of Bruce Springsteen’s classic retitled “Bourn to be a Brave” so will sign a nice long affordable extension.
7.) For Tyler Pastornicky we’d like a smooth transition to the big leagues and the knowledge that we expect him to be Tyler Pastornicky not Troy Tulowitzki. He doesn’t have to be Rookie of the Year to be our rookie of the year.
8.) For Dan Uggla a good spring and better summer and fall culminating with his second year of 36 homers and perhaps this time 100+ RBI.
9.) For Chipper Jones an injury free year capped off with a World Series Ring so that he may end his Hall of Fame career on a high note.
10.) For Greg Walker the ability to communicate clearly while helping our hitters overcome their (we hope) small and infrequent slumps.
11.) For Skipper Fredi Gonzalez we wish a few things.
- A fire in the belly that fans can see and appreciate
- More visible support for his players when a particularly bad call goes against them
- A more accurate inner voice that tells him not to try a hit and run with the team’s worst hitter at the plate and our slowest runner on first.(Maybe a little book listing who bunts well and who doesn’t so he won’t forget?)
- Finally, please give him some new clichés, we don’t want to hear him tip his hat after games anymore.
12.) For Frank Wren the realization that any team whose collapse was so unequivocally bad is not actually strong enough to win a World Series next season. If you could add some determination -fueled by the memory of that collapse- to add the pieces he said in October were necessary (hint: Carlos Quentin would love to live in Atlanta) so that it doesn’t happen again, I’d personally be very grateful.
With those delivered, Braves fans everywhere will get their collective Christmas wish; a World Series Opening in Atlanta and culminating with Chipper holding the trophy for all to see.
Thanks in advance Santa, you’re a stand up guy!
Sincerely,
The Braves Fans via Tomahawk Take
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